Rimrock Raider Newsletter
Start of 2nd Semester (January 2024)
Principal's Update
Welcome to 2024 and the beginning of second semester at Rimrock. Even with a new year and semester, our goals and expectations for Rimrock remain the same. We are striving to make Rimrock a school we all (students, staff, and community) can be proud of. Integrity, Respect, and Effort are foundational expectations for all staff and students, and through a consistent commitment to these values will we continue to make progress towards being the best small, rural public school we can be. To that end, we have a few exciting updates to share from the end of last semester.
Mid-Year MAP Results
All this data helps our teachers decipher what areas need the most work and which students need the most help. As we continue to take these MAP tests at the start, middle, and end of each year, we will be able to chart the progress of every individual student and better understand their strengths and areas in which they need to grow. Long-term these tests are both a powerful tool for improving our school and a critical measurement of how we are doing relative to schools across the country.
Class Power Rankings
The 8th grade class took the lead in the December Class Power Rankings, after 12th grade won October and 6th grade topped November. Their prize was ice cream during the end-of-semester Christmas movie we watched at the end of classes before the break, and ownership of the Rimrock Spirit Stick as we head into the second semester.
The biggest factor in the 8th graders' victory for December was their outstanding effort on the mid-year MAP tests, where they delivered the highest achievement on every test, and close to the highest growth as well. Other factors incorporated into a classes' power ranking score are GPA, attendance, behavior/discipline incidents, and school spirit. As I continue to measure how each class performs into second semester, I look forward to seeing which class can take home the grand prize at the end of school year (6th grade is just barely in the overall lead!).
2nd Semester Schedule Changes at Rimrock
With the new semester comes new class schedules as well as an updated bell schedule. First, all students and parents/guardians need to check their students' class schedules in PowerSchool (if they have not already). If a student does not have access to their schedule at home, they may request one be printed from the front office when we return to school. Most schedules in both Junior High and High School changed due to the revisions to the overall bell schedule, so we know there will be some confusion or hiccups as students adjust to these changes. If you believe a change still needs to occur to the schedule, you may contact myself (jwaterlander@sd365.us) and our Registrar (jcollopy@sd365.us) during the first week of the semester (no later than 11 January). After that time all course schedules are final.
Furthermore, as a reminder we are also starting a new bell schedule (below). The primary change is that the day is divided into 7 periods rather than 8 now (with no more WIN time / Study Hall for grades 8 -12). As a result, students have more time in each period to learn and complete their assigned work with their teachers. Breakfasts and lunches also shift slightly in the overall day, but the start and end of the school day will remain the same.
Reminder: Front Doors to Remain Locked during Classes
Rimrock has a new doorbell camera and remote lock/unlock system installed at our main entry doors at the recommendation of our District Safety Committee and with the approval of the Board of Trustees. This infrastructure investment improves the overall safety and security of our students while they are attending Rimrock. Beginning with the start of 2nd semester (January 8), the main doors at Rimrock will remain locked during the school day. Visitors will have to ring the doorbell for access (pictured), and may be asked through the 2-way intercom to provide their name and reason for the visit before entering the building. The doors can then be unlocked remotely by the Secretary or Principal. Please be aware that if you are entering Rimrock during the school day, it may take a minute or two to receive access depending on what is occurring inside the building. We ask for your patience as we implement this new process, as it is ultimately intended to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Raider Gear still for Sale from Sources of Strength!
The first order of Sources of Strength Spirit wear has come in, and it looks amazing! If you missed placing an order before Christmas, you can get an order form from the Rimrock or either elementary's front office. The last order will be placed January 24th. Thanks for supporting your Raider Strong Sources of Strength club!
Upcoming Dates to Know
- January 8: First Day of JH Basketball Practice (at GVE, student-athletes to take bus after school)
- January 9: Attendance Petitions Due
- January 9: Regular Board Meeting, Rimrock Jr-Sr HS, 7:00 PM
- January 11: Last Day for Semester 2 Schedule Changes
- January 19: Staff Professional Development Day (All District)